Open Arts Network Partner Profile: Dramatists Guild of America

The dramatist’s unique vision is the backbone of the theatre, but who is looking out for the dramatist? Because playwrights, composers, lyricists and librettists often struggle professionally in small-to-medium-sized theatres throughout the country, it is essential that they know their rights and have a strong voice to speak up for them. For nearly 100 years the Dramatists Guild of America has defended the rights of these often behind-the-scenes artists, adhering to the fundamental principle that these writers own and control their work.

As participants in Fractured Atlas’s Open Arts Network, members of the Dramatists Guild have access to affordable health insurance. Learn more about this essential organization through my interview with Tari Stratton, DG’s Director of Education, Events & Outreach.

What is the mission of your organization?

The Dramatists Guild is currently the only professional association concerned with protecting the rights of playwrights, composers, lyricists and librettists for the theatrical stage. Guided by an elected council composed of diverse and varied theatrical professionals, we are dedicated to protecting, informing, and promoting the interests of dramatists everywhere.

Who are the artist communities that you serve and where are they located?

The Dramatists Guild serves the interests of over 6,000 members across the country — membership includes all writers for the theatrical stage, regardless of publication or production history.

What programs and services do you provide?

Our most popular service is free business advice for our members — we have two attorneys on staff who are available to review contracts or offer assistance with many theatre and career-related matters. We also offer model contracts for all levels of production, along with sample collaboration and licensing agreements. Every member receives a free subscription to The Dramatist magazine, a bi-monthly journal featuring articles by prominent theatrical writers alongside regional reports, business affairs news, and a listing of member productions around the world. Also, each member receives the Dramatists Guild Resource Directory, a guide to the theatrical marketplace, with comprehensive lists of opportunities and resources for every level of writer. Other member benefits and services include a bi-weekly e-blast, symposia, seminars, town hall meetings, free and discounted tickets across the country, and access to the Members Lounge on the Guild’s website.

What is one fact about Dramatists Guild of America that you wish was more widely known?

The Guild has a Dramatists Bill of Rights, which details every writer’s inalienable right to own and control their work. Many writers, especially at the beginning of their careers, don’t realize their basic rights as the Author: the right to approve the cast, director and designers of their production; the right to be present at all casting, rehearsals, previews and performances; the right of ‘script approval,’ meaning no one can make changes, alterations, and/or omissions to your script without their consent. All writers have these rights, regardless of membership in the Guild, but the Guild staunchly protects its members whenever these principles are violated.

Have you seen an increase in demand for any of your services in particular during these tough economic times?

The Guild is always seeking to increase services, regardless of the economic times. Our members are always generous with their suggestions for how we can make their lives as writers easier.

Has protecting artistic and economic integrity of composers’, playwrights’, etc. work become harder in recent years with the constant evolution and expansion of the internet?

Our Business Affairs department is ever-vigilant in making sure all member rights remain protected, no matter the evolution of technology. Many contracts have been updated to include electronic rights that weren’t heard of even ten years ago. We make it a priority to keep on top of advancements and make sure our members know about potential pitfalls as well.

When and how do you know that you are succeeding in your mission?

Every letter we get thanking us for our support is a measure of our success. Also, each time we get a phone call, asking us to reiterate the rights of an author, that means we’ve entered the consciousness of writers everywhere. That is definitely considered a success.

How people can get involved with the Dramatists Guild?

Joining the Guild is easy — just go to our website. We also accept a limited number of playwriting students in the New York area as interns each semester. For further information on the intern program, please contact Tari Stratton via e-mail at tstratton@dramatistsguild.com.

Do you have any conferences/workshops/meetings coming up?

Our next event is Tuesday, October 27, 2009: a conversation with composers Carol Hall and Peter Mills, to be held in the Guild offices at 1501 Broadway, Suite 701. Admission is free, photo ID is needed to enter the building. And our second annual Awards Night will be Monday, November 2, 2009 at the Players Club in Gramercy Park. We will be honoring our award recipients David Ives, Tom Kitt, Polly Pen and Lanford Wilson. Tickets are $100. For more information about either of these events or for reservations, e-mail Tari Stratton (tstratton@dramatistsguild.com) or call her at (212) 398-9366.

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Photos:
Top - 2009 Dramatists Guild Fellows Presentation at Playwrights Horizons, October 4, 2009. Left to right: composer and DG Fellows co-chair Stephen Flaherty, 2009 DG Fellow Chris Weikel, performer Debra Cardona.

Bottom - 2008 Dramatists Guild Awards Night, Players Club, NYC. Left to right: Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Joseph Stein, Guild Council member John Kander, Guild Council member Micki Grant, Frederick Loewe Award recipient Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The Fractured Atlas Open Arts Network gives arts organizations the ability to provide their own members with access to many of the benefits and services that Fractured Atlas provides, including low-cost health and liability insurance, online courses, and a microgrants program that provides funding for professional development efforts.

If you are an arts organization based in the United States with 50 or more members, or if you have a defined constituency of 50+ artists who you support, you may be eligible to participate in Fractured Atlas’s Open Arts Network. Contact Adam Natale (adam.natale@fracturedatlas.org, 212-277-8023) for more information.